Bernardo Silva has expressed admiration for Arsenal’s notable defensive improvement under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta, particularly evident in their recent resilient display against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The tightly contested match witnessed both sides grappling to breach each other’s defenses, with Arsenal showcasing remarkable resilience throughout. Silva commended Arsenal’s tactical approach, specifically highlighting their effective high press and compact defensive shape, which made it difficult for City to carve out clear-cut opportunities.
A significant aspect of Arsenal’s defensive setup was the inclusion of William Saliba, whose impactful performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade. Silva contrasted Arsenal’s current defensive prowess with their previous encounter at the Etihad Stadium, noting a discernible shift in their maturity and experience, a testament to the development of their youthful squad.
Saliba’s absence in Arsenal’s previous match against City underscored his importance, as his defensive prowess provided stability that was lacking in his replacement, Rob Holding. Silva underscored the challenge of facing a well-organized team like Arsenal, particularly when they employ a proactive defensive strategy, as demonstrated in this encounter.
Despite the absence of goals, the match highlighted Arsenal’s defensive solidity, garnering praise from pundits and supporters alike. Silva’s remarks reflect an acknowledgment of Arsenal’s defensive transformation and their potential to challenge top teams in the league as they continue to evolve under Arteta’s guidance.
